The jump from preschool to Primary 1 can feel daunting and for many children, Chinese is one of the biggest challenges. It’s no longer just songs and storytelling; now it’s hanyu pinyin, vocabulary lists, sentence construction, oral presentations, and more.
To ease this transition, many parents are turning to Chinese preparatory programmes that do more than just boost knowledge. These programmes build confidence, develop core language skills, and spark real interest in Mandarin from the start.
Here are 13 recommended Chinese enrichment classes that support Kindergarten children in building strong language fundamentals through engaging, age-appropriate methods — helping them walk into Primary 1 with greater confidence and readiness.
Developed by experienced curriculum specialists and aligned with MOE’s key learning objectives, the Yuexuele (越学乐) System is designed to build children’s confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Chinese.
By introducing Hanyu Pinyin early, the programme strengthens pronunciation and lays a strong foundation for holistic literacy. Through engaging read-aloud exercises, children improve reading fluency, expression, and intonation, while creative writing practice helps them achieve proficiency in Chinese character writing and enhances their overall communication skills in both spoken and written Mandarin.
2) Hao Chinese Preschooler Chinese Enrichment
Hao Chinese Tuition offers specialised Chinese enrichment classes in an engaging and nurturing environment to prepare children effectively for Primary 1.
Using the unique ELF method, the programme builds strong language foundations through small, personalised classes that focus on mastering up to 3000 words, understanding Chinese phonetics (Hanyu Pinyin), developing writing skills from strokes to sentences, and boosting confidence through speech and drama activities.
3) Apple Pie Primary 1 Chinese Prep Class
This programme is designed to help K2 students build a strong foundation in the Chinese language through engaging and effective learning beyond their regular school curriculum. Using a structured and progressive approach, lessons are customised to each child’s proficiency and focus on key language components.
Through a multi-faceted pedagogy, students learn via interactive methods like word recognition, language games, stroke writing, sentence construction, show and tell, picture description and Hanyu Pinyin, making learning both fun and impactful.
4) Hua Cheng Education – K1 Step Up/ K2 Chinese Language Foundation Course
Hua Cheng’s Chinese Enrichment Programme offers a fun and engaging approach to prepare preschoolers for Primary 1 by building a strong foundation in vocabulary, sentence structure, and Hanyu Pinyin.
Lessons are developed in-house and aligned with the MOE syllabus. Children develop listening and comprehension skills, fluency in spoken Chinese, situational conversation, and writing of basic strokes and characters. By the end of K1, they will be fully equipped with key vocabulary, sentence formation skills, and Hanyu Pinyin knowledge to confidently transition into primary school.
5) Nili Chinese – Kindergarten class
Through creative and interactive lessons, using games, stories, flashcards, and nursery rhymes, children develop key skills like character recognition and Hanyu Pinyin, which are essential for reading and writing in Primary 1. The class focus not just on language proficiency, but also on building confidence and nurturing a genuine interest in Mandarin. By the end of the programme, your child will be equipped with the core skills, confidence, and mindset needed for success in Primary 1 Chinese.
This Chinese enrichment programme focuses on cultivating children’s interest in the language while building strong learning habits and essential language skills. Specially developed materials guide students in mastering Chinese character stroke order, character recognition, and Hanyu Pinyin from an early age.
As they progress, they explore phonics, tones, idioms, sentence patterns, punctuation, and reading comprehension. With weekly spelling tests and structured exercises, K2 students are gradually introduced to more complex concepts to prepare them for Primary 1.
Huá’s Preschool Chinese Enrichment Programme is crafted to help children build a strong language foundation through a fun, research-based approach. Aligned with the MOE Chinese curriculum, the programme uses high-energy classes filled with songs, storytelling, language games, hands-on activities, and show-and-tell segments to make Mandarin come alive.
By tapping into children’s natural curiosity, the programme nurtures a love for learning, strengthens vocabulary and sentence structure, introduces Hanyu Pinyin, and fosters critical thinking skills, ensuring a smooth and confident transition to Primary School Chinese.
8) Han Hua Mandarin Kindergarten Programme
The Early Years programme is a Potential Development class specially designed to nurture your child’s all-rounded growth through the development of 7 Core Skills: Language (华语), IQ (智力), Memory (记忆), Imagination (想象), Right-brain potential (潜能), Creativity (艺术), and Music & Movement (律动).
Each lesson is crafted by curriculum specialists to align with the latest MOE school syllabus, ensuring both relevance and rigor. By offering progressive learning experiences, the programme helps young children build confidence, ignite curiosity, and develop essential skills that set the foundation for Primary School and beyond.
9) EduGrove Mandarin Foundation Class
Using an award-winning methodology, the programme focuses on helping children expand their vocabulary, build confidence in communication, and develop essential cognitive and social-emotional skills.
Together with early literacy support in character recognition, writing, and basic grammar, EduGrove prepares your child for a smooth transition into primary school while nurturing a lifelong love for the language and Chinese culture.
10) Youle Preschool Mandarin Literacy and Fluency Programme
This Chinese enrichment programme helps preschoolers master Mandarin literacy and fluency that is used in daily life, while building confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Instead of rote learning, children explore Mandarin through fun yet educational activities that keep them engage. Along the way, they develop key early literacy skills, from recognising high-frequency words to understanding grammar and writing basic characters, preparing them for academic success in Primary schools.
11) Mandarin Stars Learning – Kindergarten Programme
The programme offers a comprehensive, tailored approach for children who need a different style of learning, focusing on building a strong Chinese foundation through stories, visuals, and purposeful play. It develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while boosting confidence in Chinese conversation and character recognition.
With a MOE-aligned curriculum, the programme supports holistic social and emotional growth. Ideal for children who learn at their own pace or feel anxious about Chinese lessons. MandarinStars also uses psychologically backed methods, visual aids, and memory strategies, ensuring children are prepared not just for Primary school but for lifelong language proficiency.
12) Leap Learning Centre – Primary Chinese Preparation Course
This Chinese programme sparks children’s interest in learning Mandarin through fun and engaging activities. With a strong focus on character recognition, proper stroke order, and accurate pronunciation, the lessons place less emphasis on writing and more on building a solid language foundation.
Using creative teaching aids like animation, stories, rhymes and music, children enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable learning experience. The programme includes Hanyu Pinyin, character recognition, stroke order, song recitation, storytelling, and art & craft activities to make Chinese learning interactive and meaningful.
13) BriliBrain Preschool Cultivation Class
This programme offers a comprehensive approach to learning the Chinese language, combining both foundational skills and creative engagement. Through stories, nursery rhymes, and drama, students develop natural rhythm and fluency.
Students also get to explore the origin of Chinese characters, using visual and memory-linked techniques that help them retain vocabulary more effectively. Lessons include a STEM component related to the words learned, allowing students to make meaningful connections between language and the world around them.
Every child learns differently and not every child needs a Chinese enrichment class before Primary 1. But if your little one needs more time to warm up to Mandarin, or you’re looking for a smoother transition, these prepartory programmes can offer a fun and structured way to build confidence. The goal isn’t to rush ahead or stay “competitive”. It’s simply to help your child enjoy learning, grow at their own pace, and step into Primary school with a little more readiness and joy.
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